How to avoid awkward Gym moments.
As New Year’s is around the corner, I thought would share
some tips to some gym newbie so you feel less apprehensive at the gym. Don’t
feel out of place. They gym is a place for everyone so here are some tips if
you walk into the gym and want turn around and go right back out and hit up
some fast food.
1.
Ask questions. Take advantage of the free tour.
If your gym offers free sessions with a trainer take advantage of that as well.
Remember, we are here to help!
2.
Don’t expect a great workout your first day. On
your first day at a gym get acquainted with the building. Find out where the
washrooms are, how the equipment works, read all those little signs posted
about. This time will make your second trip much more efficient. If you have a
personal trainer, they can stream line this process for you and make your fist
day a great orientation and a good workout.
3.
Start by taking a group fitness class. You will
get to know people like you and get a feel for the ‘vibe’ of the gym. There
will be a lot of new people starting up so don’t feel like you are the only
one.
4.
Go with a buddy. Dong the gym alone can be
intimidating. Sometimes a friend can make you feel like less of a wallflower.
But don’t get all chatty. You are there to work. Make a game plan before hand
so you don’t waste time.
5.
Read all those wee instructions on any piece of
equipment before you use it. I have a lot of experience in gyms and when I am
traveling and go to a new gym I always read all instructions. Those are the
manufacture’s instructions on safe use of the equipment and should be taken
seriously. Reading instructions is not cheating!
6.
Sharing is Caring :) Don’t hog equipment. For example:
if I do 3 sets of 10 repetitions and rest for 60 seconds (I do use a
stop watch to keep me honest) in-between the sets. If someone wants to use the same piece of equipment during
my ‘rest period’ that is called “working in.” They use the equipment during my
rest period and I use it during their rest period. This makes it possible for
two people efficiently use the same piece of equipment.
7.
Good girls and boys put away their toys. When
you are done with something, put it in the proper place, (even if you did not
find it there) and clean off equipment. Now everyone can enjoy the equipment!
8.
Don’t crowd the rack. Doing your exercise in
front of the weight rack means no one else can access the weights. Be mindful
of your space and others.
9.
If you need use your phone or sit down and talk,
find a chair; don’t use the equipment as furniture.
10. Start
with low weight to get your form down, then go up. When I am doing a new
workout or an exercise I have never done before, I will do a set first at low
weight and low speed just to make sure I have correct form and I am safe. After
that, I will do the exercise at my working weight.
These are just some tips. A health club or gym will be
plenty of fun once you get into it and you will even look forward to going there!
Just remember everyone was new once and nothing is the end of the world. Even
those big muscle gorilla guys can be nice folks once you get to know them. Use the staff at the gym, they are paid
to help you and you should never feel like you are bothering them. Most of the
time, gym staff gets bored, so having someone ask questions is really appreciated!
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